Skppje, 3 April 2024 (MIA) – Expectations are that the upcoming elections will be fair and democratic with no pressure, despite yesterday's tension between the presidential candidates at the signing of the Code for Fair and Democratic Election, State Election Commission (SEC) president Aleksandar Dashtevski said after Wednesday's meeting of the leaders of political parties' youth sections who signed the Declaration on fair, free and democratic elections.

"I believe there was some tension at yesterday's event on the signing of the Code, but I do not believe that things will continue in such an atmosphere, because most of the requirements have been met on our part, i.e. we undertake technical conditions in accordance with the law and in accordance with the ethics and morals of all participants," Dashetvski said voicing the expectation that things will get better once the election campaign starts and parties focus on presenting their platforms.

He noted that at Tuesday's signing of the Code, some of the presidential candidates had objections in terms of the law regarding distribution of campaign funds, noting that the SEC has a legal duty to implement and act exclusively in accordance with the law.

"Yesterday there were objections related to the law, which should not be addressed to us, because we have a legal duty and authority to observe the law. Comments were mostly about changes to the law, but it is late for that now. We act exclusively in accordance with the law, and any failure to act in accordance with the law brings accountability. It was mostly about the distribution of funds that has not been changed in the law on paid political program and campaign. Such issues should be addressed ahead of the election process, not once we enter the election process," said Dashtevski. 

All presidential candidates, except for GROM’s Stevcho Jakimovski, signed Tuesday the Code for Fair and Democratic Elections at the State Election Commission (SEC).

Jakimovski said he would respect the Code, but wouldn’t sign it unless SEC guarantees it will organize debates involving all candidates, he also said campaign funds weren’t fairly distributed. 

Leaders of political parties' youth sections sign the Declaration on fair, free and democratic elections, and against hate speech on Wednesday, pointing out that said that the Declaration will convey a clear message that young politicians, as future decision-makers, have a strong will and determination to be future leaders and to create a different political culture by raising the political dialogue to a higher level.

According to them, the upcoming elections should be focused on programs and ideas, instead of dirty campaign.  

Photo: MIA